SALT INTAKE ASSESSMENT BY 24-HOUR URINARY SODIUM EXCRETION IN LITHUANIAN POPULATION: PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Objective: High salt intake is associated with increased arterial blood pressure, high risk of other preventable cardiovascular diseases, reduced life expectancy and higher mortality. WHO and the World Hypertension League strongly recommend to take less than 2000 mg of sodium (or less than 5 g of salt) per day1. However, in many countries the average daily intake of sodium still remains about 4000 mg (10 g of salt). Until now there were no investigations in Lithuania for evaluating sodium (and salt) intake in the population based on reliable methods. Aim of the study is to perform a pilot study and evaluate intake of sodium by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and correlations with arterial blood pressure in Lithuanian population. Design and method: A study of randomly selected 237 healthy individuals of age 18–69 years old was performed. Each participant collected 24-hour urine samples and the blood pressure was measured 3 times. 15 subjects were excluded due to incomplete urine collection or incomplete data. 222 subjects were included in a statistical analysis. Results: An average salt intake was calculated using 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. The result was – 8,81 g/d [2,15; 25,54] of salt. 85% of subjects exceeded the recommended salt consumption value. Results varied between groups: mean salt consumption in males 10,77 (±4,79)g/d vs. females 7,46 (±3,41)g/d (p < 0,001); in age groups < 45 years old 8,57 (±3,9)g/l vs. > 45 years old 9,08 (±4,69)g/d (p > 0,05). A quartile classification revealed that individuals with higher salt consumption had significantly higher systolic arterial blood pressure (p = 0,02). Conclusions: A pilot study of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion revealed higher than recommended salt intake in Lithuania. Males use more salt. Higher salt intake correlates with higher blood pressure. The study will be continued to collect more detailed assessment of the population's sodium status and to formulate a public health policy strategy.